(Photo by Mimi Wright/The Points Guy) Our group of 15 or so had to hover around a small wooden bar, rushing through the tasting to make room for the next tour coming through. Win prizes! How many tastes do tastings typically include? Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. The best part is, you can find a bourbon that you absolutely love and have a great time doing it. Staff at each of the stops have a wide knowledge of whiskies, some of the citys largest collections of Bourbon and in most cases even Bourbon-infused cuisine. HOURS. My dad navigated while I drove, and we enjoyed each others company as we explored the winding backroads of Kentucky. Visitors can also fill their own bottle of bourbon during distillery tours. Again let's remember that all these H2s are supposed to be answering the question "why Louisville". They have bees on the property and some beautiful wildflowers. what made the bar stunning? 401 West Main Street, Suite 2300 The major distillery visitor centers outside of town can require an hour's drive, so a car rental and non-drinking driver are necessary unless you utilize an organized tour company. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. This was such a unique experience!We loved being able to create our own mix of bourbon and learn a bit about the history of bourbon! Duration: 30 Minutes. Taxis can be scarce and the municipal bus system, TARC, isn't conducive to a proper urban expedition. Which places provide the most romantic distilleries in Louisville? The actual museum isnt anything to write home about, but the property is also home to their factory where MLB bats are made. Distillery tours are available at our Main St. Louisville location. This was by far the most unique experience we had on our weekend trip to Louisville. I think I'm missing something here - did you plan frequent trips together there? If a bourbon mash is made from more than 51% corn, you may taste notes of creamy sweet corn. Kentucky Derby Festival begins in April and continues through the famous race held the first weekend in May. In fact, this was one of my favorite trips Ive ever taken. Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is Kentuckys first commercial distillery. While it ages, the caramelized wood sugars seep into the liquor to add flavor, complexity and that iconic caramel color. We did a tasting led by Austin. We found the concept of sonically aging the alcohol really interesting and something I had never heard of before. Use the list to simply help navigate the citys finest Bourbon cocktail and culinary experiences or check-in at least six participating locations to earn yourself an official Urban Bourbon Trailblazer t-shirt which can be redeemed at the Louisville Visitors Center at 301 S. 4th St. in downtown Louisville. We got to stroll through the factory floor and witness the blocks of wood, called billets, becoming bats. Think of it like the range of caramel: the more the sugar is heated, the darker the color and the more bitter the taste. Bourbon can be brewed anywhere in the United States, although 95% of bourbon is currently distilled in Kentucky. This is a nice stop if you'd like to shake up your bourbon experience with some local brews. Whether it's a Mint Julep in your hand, a decadent Coffee & Donut cocktail from Whiskey Dry or simply a neat pour made down the block, Louisville is a bourbon drinker's paradise and one of the greatest whiskey cities in the world. Make Louisville your home base for tours of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Horse Country, Louisville craft breweries and beyond. Bourbon Trail Tours in KY | Bourbon Hall Tours & Tastings Itll help you appreciate bourbon more, but also, theyre just freakin delicious. My husband chose a Smokey old fashioned and was 100% impressed. The space is beautiful. Also let's remember that all these H2s are supposed to be answering the question "why Louisville". Omni Just two blocks off Main Street, this new hotel offers extravagance with high-end whiskey mini-bars and an upscale bourbon shop on the ground floor.Seelbach Hilton An iconic Louisville institution with a restored 1900s bar that offers a large collection of single-barrel selections. Louisvilles Whiskey Row is a popular tourist destination that runs along the citys Urban Bourbon Trail. That gives off an absolutely heavenly scent of baking bread which permeates every bourbon distillery, and its honestly the best part of going bourbon tasting on the Kentucky bourbon trail! Reviews on Bourbon Tasting in Downtown, Louisville, KY 40202 - Angel's Envy, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Old Forester Distilling, Rabbit Hole Distillery, Bourbon Hall Tours & Tastings Top 10 Best Bourbon Bars in Louisville, KY - July 2023 - Yelp We are a full service bar and retail store. We ended up only being able to visit Jim Beam and the Evan Williams Experience. Next, that sour, fermented mash is strained and distilled, which results in a clear white alcohol thats incredibly strong. countryside to vibrant downtown cities. This company cares about their staff and it shows. Likewise, is a name like Snugglebug an indicator of a beloved horse working hard to please its owners, or a warning sign of a horse not worked hard enough? Toasted barrels are much the same, and the light toast of a bourbon like Woodford Reserve will taste sweeter than a darker charred barrel, like Bulleit. I recommend scheduling your absolute must-visits at least two months in advance and working your way down your list from there. In addition to taxis, buses, and Lyft, there are various modes of transportation available. A journey through Kentuckys most famous distilleries offers a unique look at each, with their own distinct flavor profiles and stories. And thats not just us being conceited: its actually because of Kentuckys naturally limestone-filtered water, which makes our bourbon taste sweeter. If youre looking for a truly unique experience, you can even go on a bourbon tour. I think explain a little more or cut. The rental car definitely made it easier for us to see more of the trail and allowed us to spend quality time together. Personally, I also taste banana in bourbons like the Old Forester 1920. A Kentucky distillery founded in 1881 began producing bourbons, and it was one of the states largest. 1. Our team at 502-233-9903 is available to discuss all of the great options. Just asking, was there anything different about the tours/tastings you did while on this group tour versus individually? Which places provide the best distilleries in Louisville for travelers on a budget? Color comes mostly from the barrel and age, so although it may look all the same at first glance, compare different bourbons from one another. Kentucky bourbon is in high demand throughout the country due to its popularity. Take a few minutes to learn more about Plan Your Trip today. more. Justins' House of Bourbon 82 Beer, Wine & Spirits Downtown This is a placeholder Locally owned & operated Locally sourced ingredients "Best Bourbon bar in Lousiville. Bourbon Street was once an industrial area with a residential component when bourbon first became known. Kentucky Artisan Distillery was created by combining pre-prohibition bourbon styles with modern methods. The public tour felt personal and well-curated, and by the end of the day, the group was happily chatting with one another (maybe because of all the bourbon). You get to try so many different types and brands of bourbon, and learn about the different flavor profiles. There are some of the best prices and the largest selections available at Liquor Barn. Because it has a large population of bourbon drinkers, the state must keep more of the drink in-state for its own residents. In between each bite, clear your palette with water. Take a sip and see what your tongue tastes like. What better way to sample beer from a local brewery than to join a tour of a Kentucky thoroughbred farm? Learn how your comment data is processed. Barrels & Billets (Louisville) - What to Know BEFORE You Go (2023). The bourbon tasting experience at the end of the tour leaves a little to be desired. Your email address will not be published. Before attempting to arrange your visit, I would recommend doing some research on the distilleries. Which places provide the best distilleries in Louisville for couples? Evan Williams Bourbon Experience 535 Tours Distilleries Bars $$West Main This is a placeholder Family-owned & operated Established in 2013 "The bourbon tasting started with some history about how Evan Williams got started, then we got to." more 3. You Do Bourbon. This was such a unique experience!We loved being able to create our own mix of bourbon and learn a bit about the history of bourbon! Then my dad and I jumped in the car and headed down the road to Willett Distillery, another favorite of ours. We are a great adventure for anyone wanting to experience the Kentucky Bourbon Trail from birthdays, anniversaries, bachelor and bachelorette parties to a weekend staycation! The first year of the publication of F. Paul Pacults Spirit Journal featured a Cask Strength Bourbon that won the 2012 Best Spirit in the World award. Whether you're stopping in Louisville on your way to do the Bourbon Trail or just visiting Louisville because it's the best city ever (we're only slightly biased), you can't skip out on tasting a few Louisville specialties - and you don't even have to leave town. I am not looking to necessarily take the fastest route, but I am looking for ideas on any points of interest or scenic aspects that I should consider seeing or stopping at on the route. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Mission & History Staff & Board Diversity, Equity, Access, & Inclusion Press Brand Standards 9 thoughts on "9 Best Bourbon Trail Tours: A Regional Travel . During the Revolutionary War, General George Washington visited the distillery and purchased whiskey to fortify his troops. Take the Urban Bourbon Trail. Bourbon tasting is an amazing experience that everyone should try at least once. Louisville, KY 40202 Phone: (502) 272-2623 Get Directions. The science behind creating a bourbon to match your own palate was fascinating! Kentucky Bourbon Trail Itinerary - Suggestions for 1 Day to 1 Week Please view our advertising policy page for more information. When tasting bourbon, you should always use a clean glass and start with a small amount. I love you get to make your own bottle at an affordable price, and create the name! And let me tell you: Louisville did not disappoint. You'll experience our bourbon distillation process first-hand, from start to finish. There are also many bourbon bars and restaurants that offer tastings. Copper Kings Distillery is a small distillery located in Louisvilles Butchertown neighborhood. Bourbons Bistro 2255 Frankfort Avenue Evan Haskill ( @evanhaskill), a freelancer for The ABV Network and The New Orleans Bourbon Festival, is up first with a recommendation for Bourbons Bistro. I highly recommend! Its a small distillery with very few words to describe it. Kentuckys large number of bourbon drinkers necessitate the state keeping more of the beverage in-state in order to sell to residents. My family are huge Cardinals fans, and we grew up with season tickets to the games at Busch Stadium. I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, and although Ive traveled all over the world, Ive never found anywhere quite as special. After the Churchill Downs tour, we drove back to downtown Louisville to visit the Louisville Slugger Museum. Do not miss the Peerless tour! 3. If you want to leave the driving to someone else, there are numerous options available you can learn more here. 2. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. Buffalo Trace is an absolute must in my book. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center at the Frazier Museum on historic Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville will be your first stop, and we encourage you to stop by any of our iconic distilleries. Bourbon Tasting In Louisville The Ultimate Guide - Ward III Best Bourbon Tasting near Downtown, Louisville, KY 40202 - Yelp Lets start with the flavor notes that are easiest to identify in a glass of bourbon. The Nothing Better In The Market Tour ($70) has the best tasting when it comes to Old Forester whiskey. . The Old Forester offers an unforgettable tour that includes stops at other distilleries as well as unique experiences. Woodford Reserve (Versailles) $32 per person tour and tasting; $25 per person for tasting only; specialty tours and tastings available. (Which is super valid they do, in fact, hand these out at distilleries during tastings!). Conducting a proper tasting can take a lot of practice and develops over time. Theres also no fear of drinking and driving, which takes out an added stressor and allows you to fully enjoy the experience. This is often referred to as white lightning or white dog. Its closer to moonshine than what youd think of as bourbon, and while its definitely drinkable, its a bit of an aquired taste! Like, is a name like Run Till You Drop a major red flag, or an indicator of a strong work ethic? That said, if you plan to do some serious tasting and are (understandably) concerned about consuming alcohol and driving, consider budgeting for Ubers or Lyfts to take the pressure off. Now dont stick your nose deep into the glass or you risk burning your nose with the heavy alcohol vapors. What are the prices for each of the things you did? Discover the process behind Old Forester - from barrelling to bottling. Their on-site bar and restaurant serve light lunch and custom cocktails made with Jeptha Creed whiskeys, moonshine, and vodka.Four Roses (Lawrenceburg) The Spanish mission-inspired architecture of the distillery is home to the two mashbills and five yeast strains used to craft their unique blends. Swirl the bourbon in your glass to release the aromas, then take a small sip and let it linger in your mouth to enjoy the flavor. This is a distillery to put high on your list. These are some highly rated distilleries in Louisville, KY: What are some distilleries with a large number of reviews in Louisville, KY? I would definitely add Old Forester to the list of Distilleries you visit. The best way to hone your palette and put your new skills to the test is by practicing! According to the Kentucky Distillers Association, which created the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in 1999, there are 41 distilleries to choose from, although that number excludes some well-known distilleries that arent a part of the KDA, like Buffalo Trace, so there are even more options available to travelers. Copyright 2023 Bourbon Country. The first step is the easiest! Each distillery offers tours of their bourbons as well as unique tasting experiences. Reasonable tour prices, wonderful tasting experiences with their whiskey and bourbon portfolio, and variety are all a part of what makes Evan Williams one of the best distilleries in Louisville. Travel through rickhouse Y and enjoy a tasting in the world's largest bourbon barrel.James E. Pepper Distillery (Lexington) This resurrected brand has made its home on the historic grounds of the Old Pepper Distillery. It was challenging to narrow down the distilleries we wanted to visit, but some of our decisions were made for us since plenty of the experiences at various distilleries were already sold out, even a month in advance. Just rephrase slightly. One of the best things about driving to the distillerys campus is that its a massive, stunning place. The bourbon trail is about an hour and a half from Louisville. Bars and restaurants in Louisville that have extended-hours licenses can serve until 4 a.m., although many elect to close by 2 a.m., which is when all areas outside Louisville cease serving. There is a 99% chance that you will miss the insane notes that Bourbon has if you do not know how to properly taste it. Maybe suggest that it's a great bourbon for travelers since it's aged at sea as it traverses the globe on ships? Hit all the taste buds this is what we call the Kentucky Chew, and it accumulates your mouth to the strength of the bourbon. 4. What restaurants are near Barrels & Billets? Its a must see if you visit Angels Envy Distiller, Four Roses, or Heaven Hill. Second step is just as easy, sniffing the bourbon. Louisville; Versailles / Lawrenceburg / Franklin; . Now that youre a bourbon pro, why not start planning a visit to Kentucky? In 1783, Evans Williams was the states first distillery. The 21c Museum/Hotel and the attached Proof on Main restaurant are upscale bastions of modern art and culture in Louisville. Bourbon Experience gets you a multi-brand Bourbon tasting, first & second-day admission to the museum, and much more. My dad may stand 6 feet, 4 inches tall (and he's even the shortest of three brothers! Received 6 samples. This is known as the Angels Share and its why a glass of bourbon has a much lower proof than a glass of white lightning! Book a tour now. THE 10 BEST Louisville Distilleries Distilleries in Louisville Enter dates Filters 1 Food & Drink Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Food & Drink Distillery Tours Breweries Distilleries Bourbon flight tasting was good. On the menu it says the cocktail has a 2oz pour of bourbon but the shot glass looked to be only 2oz so how does that make sense. 218 reviews. Mix those bourbons with a gin for a botanical cocktail, or make a mint julep! Tour is fairly short. Instead, give a little distance between your nose and the glass and take a light whiff, leaving your mouth open as you breathe in. It was so cool getting to try different combinations of the bourbons and then take a quiz about our preferences to tell us a custom recipe which we bottled and took home and to enjoy with our names on it! Neat, right?? Bourbon is an American whiskey distilled mostly from corn. Craft Your Own Cocktail Experience. Worth telling our readers about so they can decide which experience is right for them. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. We loved learning more about the bourbon making process and the history. Great history of this famous distillery. Bourbon tasting in Louisville is a sensory experience that allows you to enjoy the different flavors and aromas of this popular American whiskey. During our tour of the winery, we had the opportunity to sample Wheatley vodka, White Dog whiskey white, Buffalo Trace, and Eagle Rare. Your tour includes a behind-the-scenes look at the horses training facilities and a tour of Millionaires Row ($250 per person). Make sure to stop by one of the distilleries unique restaurants or bars if you want to find out more about them. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Or, you can take home a bottle signed by a master distiller from Frazier History Museum. Read our, Great group activity involved with bourbon. Awful. For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. We started with the Kentucky Derby Museum, which is connected to Churchill Downs where the iconic Kentucky Derby takes place. THE 10 BEST Louisville Distilleries (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor To see for yourself, visit the Stitzel-Weller distillery in Columbus. We were greeted by Bob and had a nice conversation with assistant manager Willow. The historic grounds include 100 year old cypress fermenters, a gravity-fed barrel run, and a distinctive trio of copper pot stills. and other spirits; and Drew, our tour guide, was great. Taste Fine Wines and Bourbons | Wine | Bourbon | Louisville | Kentucky 9 Delicious Distilleries in Louisville, Kentucky, from Bourbon to Brandy, Louisville Weekend Trip: The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary, Where to Stay in Louisville, Kentucky (and Where NOT to): a Locals Guide, Kentucky Derby Tips: The Ultimate First-Timers Derby Guide (by a local). Take a small sip and swish it around your mouth without initially swallowing. Our guide, LeeAnn, was fantastic. Transportation from your hotel?? This Saturday bourbon tour includes guided transportation, three distillery 3 Full Cocktails. Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 43-57.5% Alc./Vol., Old Forester Mint Julep Cocktail, 30% Alc./Vol. Thanks to all, can't wait to try my bottle at home. are Now Available! Tiffany our mixologist was amazing. Second, theres the amount of toast or char on the barrel and the amount of time the bourbon spends in it. Six of the bottles were Buffalo Trace, but not all of them were bourbon because they served as a mixer for a liqueur and a soda. The Upper Bourbon neighborhood is best known for its neon-drenched bachelor and bachelorette parties, strip clubs, and enormous drinks served in souvenir cups, but it also hosts numerous strip clubs and neon-drenched parties. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Most bourbon tasting notes are in the range of delicious edible things, and also serve as a helpful guide to pair your bourbon with food my personal favorite way to of enjoy bourbon! The man behind the beverages . Some of these selections may include whiskey sourced from other distilleries or crafted at their larger facilities outside of the city.Angel's Envy93 points, $50 A secondary period of maturation in port pipes lends this silky straight bourbon flavors of ripe, berry fruit.Booker's 2018-02 Backyard BBQ93 points, $75 Each batch varies but, typical of Jim Beam's Booker's bourbon, this shows concentration and muscle, oozing with caramel and laced with root beer notes.Bulleit 10 year old91 points, $40 Earthy, leathery, and spiced, this Kentucky bourbon shows nice maturity. Their straight bourbons include an 86 proof, 100 proof, small batch, and their classic 5-time winner of Whiskey of The Year, the single bourbon vintage. You can stick to the imagery, but I think something more like, this memory will only get better with time, much like a finely aged bourbon or something like that. The information is a lot and can make you sleepy later in day. We had the pleasure of touring Kentucky Artisan, Woodford Reserve, Bulleit Bourbon, and others during Mint Juleps bourbon tour. When it comes to bourbon, we always hesitate to drop $70 on a bottle without first attempting it. It's a must stop on a bourbon tour. And tell us what you get for free. Many of the distilleries are quite a distance from downtown Louisville, so taking Ubers and Lyfts can get expensive (maybe include a sample price), and you'll likely want to have your own car. We started with a cocktail-mixing class featuring mint juleps at Jim Beam (the tour was sold out but this option was quite fun) and enjoyed the on-site restaurant, The Kitchen Table. Youll take a bite of food, nose your bourbon, sip, and analyze. Kentucky is famous for its bourbon in a somewhat analogous way to how Scotland is famous for its excellent whiskey distilleries. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. How long did it last? Top 10 Best Bourbon Tasting in Louisville, KY - July 2023 - Yelp The Kentucky Bourbon Festival, held in September, brings droves of enthusiasts to sleepy Bardstown, although more of the events have migrated to Louisville in recent years. and have at least 60 different bourbon varieties on the bar with trained staff that can explain the nuances and tasting notes in the varied offerings from Jim Beam Black to Elmer T. Lee. Notice the color. These Are The Best Bourbon Tours In Kentucky Worth Your - TheTravel Logan is an excellent tour guide. Fortunately for us, there are tons of distilleries to choose from that we hadnt ever heard of. Im always a sucker for a good museum, and my dad was happily willing to come along. The Whiskey Dry cocktail menu includes a rotating slushie, custom creations, and well as a number of classics. Ended up leaving all 3 barley touched as they were undrinkable. You can watch educational videos and take a tour of interactive exhibits at Evan Williams. I highly recommend sitting upstairs at the restaurant at Willett; the cocktails were delicious and the bar itself was stunning could you be more specific? The distillery, which is housed in the historic St. Thomas Warehouse, has earned a reputation as one of the worlds most famous. Which places provide the best distilleries in Louisville for groups? Whiskey and beer are produced at Town Branch Distillery in Kentucky. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. They provide a recommendation based on answers to a series of questions, which was pretty close to what I ended up making. Great guide Ami. 21c Museum Hotel Sits on Main Street among the distilleries, featuring an art gallery and the bar/restaurant Proof on Main with its impressive whiskey list. ), but again, it was worth it. As self-described master planners, heres how we conquered the Bourbon Trail, what we learned along the way and why it made for the perfect father-daughter trip. What is the best way to visit distilleries? Start at the center of the circle where the categories are more broad and easier to identify, does your bourbon have a sweet or grain flavor? Staff was cooperative, management was engaged, location was easy to access. I'd like to avoid the flowing through veins phrase. Check here before booking an award fare. 5 great wedding rehearsal dinner spots in downtown Louisville To get here, it is a gorgeous drive through horse farms and rolling, bluegrass Kentucky hills. We booked a tour of the distillery and received a plethora of information about the prohibition. The lineup is very high-end and includes Old Forester's famed and fleeting Birthday Bourbon. There are also 5 types of fruit-based gin available, ranging from dry to classic to fruity and fruity. The distillery's visitor center is inspired by Kentucky tobacco barns and features a gorgeous view of the Kentucky River.Willett (Bardstown) This distillery traces its heritage back to 1936 and has taken great care to maintain its history by restoring the warehouses and cistern room. When tasting bourbon, you should always use a clean glass and start with a small amount. The aging of the high-proof distilled mash inside of the toasted barrel is what produces the sweet syrupy taste and caramel color of bourbon, as the spirit breaks down the sugars from the toasted oak. 326 helpful votes. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. We capped our visits at two per day and I only took small sips of the various bourbons on offer, leaving my dad to enjoy the full tasting experience while I hydrated between stops. Playing with those two factors can result in vastly different bourbons. Michter's 10 year old Single Barrel Rye (Barrel 18E560), Want to Visit Other Whisky Cities?